Readers that don't write. Do they give lower scores?

Quote by sindycane
So, I've read all four pages and have been trying to decide if I should throw in my pennies. I really don't know the answer to the question itself. But, I have an opinion on scoring and suppose I'm not the only one who feels this way, so here goes.

I am mostly a reader and have dabbled in writing. I'm sure most on this thread have no idea who I am. As a rule, my stories tend to have high scores with low views. I'm not sure what that means exactly but I hope that it means that I have a little talent-it's just widely undiscovered. And, I'm absolutely comfortable with that.

I would hate to think that my high scores are simply "mercy 5's". That my friends and/or other readers didn't really like the piece but scored it as a 5 because they're afraid to hurt my feelings or even worse-afraid of any sort of retaliation. But, after reading this thread I'm sure that some are. Which is a shame.

I actually want honest feedback. If it's too pedantic, uninteresting, lacks flow, etc., then I really want to know what people feel. I hope to God I never deserve a 1 or a 2 but if I do, then I hope for God's sake somebody will LET ME KNOW!!!! I have much better things to do with my time than generate pieces of crap writing for the world to snicker and pat my head about-especially over and over and over again-just because they're a friend.

I understand we are all amateurs but this site is about writing. And in my opinion, the fact that we put words on paper that are grammatically correct and within the rules does not merit a perfect score. Obviously, the mods and owners provided the ability for 1's and 2's to be used on the stories that have been verified. Being verified is the baseline. The low scores are supposed to have a purpose on here. As do the 4's and 5's. I think it's a shame that all of us (myself included) tend to only consider using 4's and 5's for stories that are really just average (3?) or -gasp!- below average.

This is not just a Lush phenomenon...we see it in our schools, our youth sports teams, office politics. A nationwide habit of grading on a curve and therefore watering down the accomplishments of the exceptionally gifted. And even those who are gifted rarely hit a home run every time at bat. I don't understand why any author would be upset if sometimes they don't deserve a 5. Or a 4. Or a 3. What in the world is so wrong with being average?

However, using a 1-5 scale there is a lot of room for personal interpretation. Some are scoring based on how much it turned them on. Others just care about the quality of writing. Others want the subject matter to appeal to them (in my opinion this one is crap-if you hate the idea of a Daddydom or sex with a step-sibling then why are you reading the story-don't give it a low score!!!) Some like them short and sweet. Or some want a developed plot. You'd almost have to have different categories to score with any degree of accuracy. But, since so few rarely give even one score then I suppose far fewer would give several.

Sigh...It's not a perfect system, but for me, it's not worth giving what I feel is an accurate score if by doing so I ruin someone's day. Some simply cannot tolerate the idea of being perceived as less than perfect and Lush probably isn't the place to psychoanalyze them or even ourselves. So, deserved or not, I give high scores or I don't vote. This is not real life but an escape-not a place to have contentious conversations. If somebody needs great scores to keep writing then who am I to deny them their own release from their real life. And perhaps, someday they'll turn out a truly stupendous piece that will make all of the false adulation worthwhile. And, then...we'll all give them a 5.

Quote by Magical_felix
Since most every story here has above a 4.9 score I would say that anything below that isn't too hot.

Quote by sindycane
So, I've read all four pages and have been trying to decide if I should throw in my pennies. I really don't know the answer to the question itself. But, I have an opinion on scoring and suppose I'm not the only one who feels this way, so here goes.

I am mostly a reader and have dabbled in writing. I'm sure most on this thread have no idea who I am. As a rule, my stories tend to have high scores with low views. I'm not sure what that means exactly but I hope that it means that I have a little talent-it's just widely undiscovered. And, I'm absolutely comfortable with that.

I would hate to think that my high scores are simply "mercy 5's". That my friends and/or other readers didn't really like the piece but scored it as a 5 because they're afraid to hurt my feelings or even worse-afraid of any sort of retaliation. But, after reading this thread I'm sure that some are. Which is a shame.

I actually want honest feedback. If it's too pedantic, uninteresting, lacks flow, etc., then I really want to know what people feel. I hope to God I never deserve a 1 or a 2 but if I do, then I hope for God's sake somebody will LET ME KNOW!!!! I have much better things to do with my time than generate pieces of crap writing for the world to snicker and pat my head about-especially over and over and over again-just because they're a friend.

I understand we are all amateurs but this site is about writing. And in my opinion, the fact that we put words on paper that are grammatically correct and within the rules does not merit a perfect score. Obviously, the mods and owners provided the ability for 1's and 2's to be used on the stories that have been verified. Being verified is the baseline. The low scores are supposed to have a purpose on here. As do the 4's and 5's. I think it's a shame that all of us (myself included) tend to only consider using 4's and 5's for stories that are really just average (3?) or -gasp!- below average.

This is not just a Lush phenomenon...we see it in our schools, our youth sports teams, office politics. A nationwide habit of grading on a curve and therefore watering down the accomplishments of the exceptionally gifted. And even those who are gifted rarely hit a home run every time at bat. I don't understand why any author would be upset if sometimes they don't deserve a 5. Or a 4. Or a 3. What in the world is so wrong with being average?

However, using a 1-5 scale there is a lot of room for personal interpretation. Some are scoring based on how much it turned them on. Others just care about the quality of writing. Others want the subject matter to appeal to them (in my opinion this one is crap-if you hate the idea of a Daddydom or sex with a step-sibling then why are you reading the story-don't give it a low score!!!) Some like them short and sweet. Or some want a developed plot. You'd almost have to have different categories to score with any degree of accuracy. But, since so few rarely give even one score then I suppose far fewer would give several.

Sigh...It's not a perfect system, but for me, it's not worth giving what I feel is an accurate score if by doing so I ruin someone's day. Some simply cannot tolerate the idea of being perceived as less than perfect and Lush probably isn't the place to psychoanalyze them or even ourselves. So, deserved or not, I give high scores or I don't vote. This is not real life but an escape-not a place to have contentious conversations. If somebody needs great scores to keep writing then who am I to deny them their own release from their real life. And perhaps, someday they'll turn out a truly stupendous piece that will make all of the false adulation worthwhile. And, then...we'll all give them a 5.

Quote by Simmerdownchick


Someone else had said that it should be a 'like' button, and I tend to agree with him on that. The best way, IMHO, is to have a 'Like' button (NO dislike button) and a mandatory comment with it. That way, it someone truly does like a story they can say so, and why; OR they can like it and add a caviat in the comment section to point out what they didn't like about the story. OR...they can just not vote at all.

Quote by Magical_felix


Whoa... That's one of the worst ideas I've ever heard.

Quote by stephanie


I'd SAY... (You need to have a BIT MORE of a THINK...)

It's NOT a GREAT IDEA... (But AS PEOPLE CONSTANTLY REMIND me... IT'S JUST THE WEB!!!)

xx SF

But SURELY NO REASON to be UNKIND??? I've SAT in A MILLION MEETINGS WITH CREATIVES... (You'd NEVER say "THAT'S THE WORST IDEA I EVER HEARD!!!")

You just wouldn't!!!

xx sf

Quote by chatnstroke


To the OP... I'm not a writer here. My answer to Q1 is I don't think so. And my answer to Q2 is visible to the left

General observations from a non-author... as stated throughout this thread, seems like the voting is a joke so I'm not sure why folks get overly sensitive to it. But... not being a writer maybe I don't get it. But being an adult I do understand overall behavior and for that I do find it strange when there is a temper tantrum like response to any form of low score or critical comment. It's as if some want their stories scored and commented on only if it's a 5 and positive. Certainly their choice just as it's certainly the readers choice.

Phone battery dying. .. need to post this now...

Quote by Buz
There are great stories, Editors Picks and Recommended Reads, with lower scores, yet some very average at best stories with perfect 5's. You surely can't always judge a story quality by the score alone when looking for stories to read. There are readers that will vote down stories just because they are in categories they don't like or for other juvenile reasons. And then there are many stories that are grossly over scored. Get to know the reputation of the authors and find out which ones consistently deliver quality.

Quote by stephanie


This comment TOUCHES on a VALID POINT...

I've FOLLOWED LUSH STORIES COMP for some years now...

IN MY EXPERIENCE the PUBLIC VOTE in that arena influences the judges NOT A JOT!!! (And with the exception of EDITOR'S PICK votes I think COMP VOTES represent the HIGHEST QUALITY of writing on site...) I have entered TWO COMPS to date... I am an EP winner... (I've NEVER even placed TOP TEN in a Lush Comp...) I mention this PURELY to suggest that at THAT LEVEL there is no BIAS!!! (I wish there was!!!) I joke, of course... (Well, ALMOST!!!)

In the wider arena I DO THINK WE SHOULD BE AWARE that PERSONAL TASTE often governs choices and votes... NOT EVERYONE CAN BE A DANCING_DOLL or a FRANK LEE... (NOR SHOULD THEY BE!!!) But then (AS BOTH OF THOSE VERY FINE WRITERS WILL FREELY ADMIT) there are OTHER UNAWARDED WRITERS UPON SITE WHO GARNER MORE HITS AND COMMENTS AND VOTES!!!

Lush Stories AS A SITE encompasses SUCH A BROAD PLATFORM that, in many ways, the general voting system, while functional, reasonable and pleasureable to both readers and writers, REALLY DOES NOT MATTER A GREAT DEAL AS TO HOW WORK IS PERCEIVED... (We cater for EXTREMELY high-end EROTIC LITERATURE and BASE PORNOGRAPHY...) I have, to be clear, in my time ATTEMPTED AND QUITE PROUDLY to write BOTH!!!

NOT ONE SINGLE MEMBER EVER UPON THIS SITE HAS EVER SAID, "Oh! That has 103 votes, I must read it!!!" (Never happens!)

There is NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CURRENT VOTING SYSTEM...

( AS A WRITER, I can tell you that the ONLY PERSON WHO CARES ABOUT YOUR VOTE is THE FUCKING WRITER... And, as they say in HOLLYWOOD, who REALLY cares what the fucking writer thinks???)

This ENTIRE SITE is ABOUT VIEWING FIGURES... (And THERE we do INCREDIBLY WELL!!!) But most VIEWERS don't EVEN BOTHER TO VOTE!!! (Look, they DON'T!!!)

If EVERYONE who EVER READ ONE OF MINE gave me A DOLLAR I could buy a HOUSE!!! (If everyone who ever commented or voted on one of mine did the same I COULD PERHAPS buy a second-hand car!!!)

So let's NOT all get carried away, no?


xx SF

Quote by Simmerdownchick


Very true. It reminds me of the Oscars or the Peoples Choice awards, or something. We all write for the creative outlet it gives us, letting us put ourselves out there for all to see. So, I have learned something very valuable from this thread. Scores don't matter. It's not a contest. If I'm happy with the story I've written then I have succeeded. I have also learned that I have a lot to learn, and that is the best possible 'score' I can ask for.
Not a bad outcome for a silly forum thread, no?

I write because I like to write, most assuredly I prefer high scores verses lower ones. However, I know human nature and realize there are those who make up an ID, give a low score, and then retreat. I also understand that it would be impossible to revamp the scoring system. I would suggest that only writers of 10 or more be eligible to score.

Quote by Magical_felix


It's so bad. When it comes to the voting system. It's most definitly one of the worst ideas ever. Maybe the worst.

Quote by adagio_sabadicus

I would suggest that only writers of 10 or more be eligible to score.

Quote by Buz
There are great stories, Editors Picks and Recommended Reads, with lower scores, yet some very average at best stories with perfect 5's. You surely can't always judge a story quality by the score alone when looking for stories to read. There are readers that will vote down stories just because they are in categories they don't like or for other juvenile reasons. And then there are many stories that are grossly over scored. Get to know the reputation of the authors and find out which ones consistently deliver quality.

Quote by Simmerdownchick



I didn't realize that the entire site is about viewing figures. That explains why the views are so important.


~ Simmerdownchick

Quote by stephanie




NOT ONE SINGLE MEMBER EVER UPON THIS SITE HAS EVER SAID, "Oh! That has 103 votes, I must read it!!!" (Never happens!)

Quote by Nikki_girlforyou
All of the writers friends give them a 5 no matter how crappy the story/poem is! I gave a 4 on a story and had a nasty message waiting on me next time I logged in and the writer also informed me that she blocked me from scoring her stories again. Like I would read that crap again!!

Quote by adagio_sabadicus
I would suggest that only writers of 10 or more be eligible to score.

Quote by Varrick


I’ve only been posting stories here on Lush since August. As a result, so far my story count totals just five. I’m fascinated that you think this should make my opinions irrelevant.

Quote by adagio_sabadicus
No one's opinions are irrelevant

Quote by stephanie

NOT ONE SINGLE MEMBER EVER UPON THIS SITE HAS EVER SAID, "Oh! That has 103 votes, I must read it!!!" (Never happens!)

There is NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CURRENT VOTING SYSTEM...

Quote by Varrick
There’s nothing inherently wrong with the scoring system on Lush. Five-point scoring systems have been used for decades as a basis for scientific and social research because, overall, they are reliable. The problem with the system here is that, as others have said, scoring isn’t anonymous.

I will only vote on a story I believe worthy of a five (or occasionally a four if I think the author can handle it). If I think it deserves anything lower, I simply won’t vote. I have no desire to get chased around the site by an irate writer wielding a virtual pitchfork, simply because I had the temerity to think of their story as being ‘Good’ as opposed to ‘Excellent’. Making the scoring system completely anonymous would solve this problem.

The one piece of evidence I can provide to back up my argument comes from our own competitions. Whilst they are running voting is anonymous, and when you look at the scores given to these stories, it is apparent that they are different to those submitted under the usual circumstances.

Sure, there are still many more fives given than anything else. But it is also true that poor stories get more poor ratings, average stories get more threes, there are a whole lot more fours, and the excellent pieces are still overwhelmingly given fives. Being competition pieces, maybe this difference is because readers hold these stories to a higher standard. But I’d suggest it’s because the writer has no way of knowing who gave what score.

After all, surely the whole point of having a scoring system is honesty. If writers are being told their stories are uniformly excellent when some are in fact average, where is the motivation to improve? In some cases, how will they even know? I like to receive honest feedback, both positive and negative, because it helps me improve. And if I don’t agree with what someone has said, I’m always free to ignore them.

Therefore I’d advocate making voting anonymous, as it’s the only way people will ever be free to give an honest opinion without some writers throwing a five-star shit-fit and harassing fellow users for being truthful.

Of course, random morons might abuse their anonymity to give low scores for no apparent reason. And if users want to upvote stories by their friends or favourite writers regardless of quality, there’s nothing that can be done to prevent that. I fear that changing human nature is beyond Lush’s remit! But anonymous voting should make the scores being given to a story a little more representative of its quality.

Quote by adagio_sabadicus

Quote by Simmerdownchick


Very true. It reminds me of the Oscars or the Peoples Choice awards, or something. We all write for the creative outlet it gives us, letting us put ourselves out there for all to see. So, I have learned something very valuable from this thread. Scores don't matter. It's not a contest. If I'm happy with the story I've written then I have succeeded. I have also learned that I have a lot to learn, and that is the best possible 'score' I can ask for.
Not a bad outcome for a silly forum thread, no?

I write because I like to write, most assuredly I prefer high scores verses lower ones. However, I know human nature and realize there are those who make up an ID, give a low score, and then retreat. I also understand that it would be impossible to revamp the scoring system. I would suggest that only writers of 10 or more be eligible to score.

That would be awful, I really hope that it's a rare occurrance. It would take a pretty devious mind to think to do something like that. Personally, I really enjoy reading your work. I havn't read any for a while, but I think I feel a Adiagio story coming on!

Quote by Magical_felix



This happens with books and movies too. People are compelled to watch movies just because they've been number one for a while or read books just because they've sold 10 million copies... Why would lush stories be any different? You're just talking out of your ass with statements like that.

Quote by stephanie


I've NEVER read 'The Da Vinci Code' or '50 Shades...' for that matter. (I DID TRY!!!) I DON'T read the best selling NEWSPAPERS in my country... I DON'T listen to the best selling music in the music charts as a matter of course...

I'm not COMPELLED to do anything!!!

As to 'talking out of my ass'...

*LAUGHS!!!*


xx SF